70th Infantry Brigade War Diary June 1941. - Revision history

70bgadmin at 09:09, 4 May 2018

2018-05-04T09:09:52Z

70bgadmin at 10:24, 3 May 2018

2018-05-03T10:24:08Z

70bgadmin at 09:45, 3 May 2018

2018-05-03T09:45:46Z

70bgadmin at 15:52, 30 April 2018

2018-04-30T15:52:54Z

70bgadmin at 14:45, 30 April 2018

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70bgadmin at 18:05, 29 April 2018

2018-04-29T18:05:49Z

70bgadmin at 13:42, 27 April 2018

2018-04-27T13:42:36Z

70bgadmin at 09:17, 22 July 2012

2012-07-22T09:17:21Z

70bgadmin at 09:12, 22 July 2012

2012-07-22T09:12:04Z

70bgadmin at 09:07, 22 July 2012

2012-07-22T09:07:59Z

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@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 The rain, with which the day started, made an unfortunate start for a Company from 1st TS and a Company from 11th DLI both of whom set out that morning for one week’s marching.  By mid-day, however, the weather had cleared and was fine for the rest of the day.
-A Company 1st TS – in reserve at REYKJAVIK – moved to [[Pingvellir]], a distance of 30 miles, and carried out a training programme, with schemes each day.
+A Company 1st TS – in reserve at [[Reykjavik]] – moved to [[Pingvellir]], a distance of 30 miles, and carried out a training programme, with schemes each day.
 C Company 11th DLI had similar arrangements except that their route from [[Hafnafjordur]] was via KEFLAVIKROAD, GRINDAVIK, and KLEIFARVATN.
@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 '''6th June 1941'''
-An advance party from 10th DLI arrived in REYKJAVIK prior to moving into the camps of the 1st/5th West Yorkshire Regiment (South West Sector Reserve under the operational command of 70th Brigade).  A programme of the relief arrangements was attached to the War Diary as Appendix A.
+An advance party from 10th DLI arrived in [[Reykjavik]] prior to moving into the camps of the 1st/5th West Yorkshire Regiment (South West Sector Reserve under the operational command of 70th Brigade).  A programme of the relief arrangements was attached to the War Diary as Appendix A.
 This document detailed the elements of the Battalion and the dates on which their moves between locations would take place, and the Camps to which they would move within the South West Sector.
@@ Line 30: / Line 30: @@
 '''7th June 1941'''
-At 08:45 hours Brigade HQ returned to MELROSE Camp, REYKJAVIK, after completing the practice move.  Later the Brigade Commander attended an exercise at KALDARSEL for C Company, 11th DLI, who were returning from their week’s march.
+At 08:45 hours Brigade HQ returned to MELROSE Camp, [[Reykjavik]], after completing the practice move.  Later the Brigade Commander attended an exercise at KALDARSEL for C Company, 11th DLI, who were returning from their week’s march.
 '''8th June 1941'''
@@ Line 36: / Line 36: @@
 Brigadier Kirkup and Captain MacNichol returned from UK leave at 23:30 hours.  Lt Col Marley resumed command of 10th DLI.
-th Battalion of the Worcester Regiment arrived in REYKJAVIK by sea from the U.K. and were selected to take over the North West Sub-Sector from 10th DLI who were in turn to relieve 1st/5th West Yorks in the South West Sector – who would then move to [[Brautarholt]] and [[Akranes]].
+th Battalion of the Worcester Regiment arrived in [[Reykjavik]] by sea from the U.K. and were selected to take over the North West Sub-Sector from 10th DLI who were in turn to relieve 1st/5th West Yorks in the South West Sector – who would then move to [[Brautarholt]] and [[Akranes]].
 '''11th June 1941'''
-The first party of the Worcesters left REYKJAVIK for [[Borganes]].
+The first party of the Worcesters left [[Reykjavik]] for [[Borganes]].
 '''12th June 1941'''
@@ Line 58: / Line 58: @@
 '''16th June 1941'''
-C Company of 10th DLI arrived at REYKJAVIK from [[Reykerskoli]].
+C Company of 10th DLI arrived at [[Reykjavik]] from [[Reykerskoli]].
 The Brigadier and the Brigade Major visited B Company 1st TS at [[Pingvellir]], where it was carrying out a training march.
@@ Line 147: / Line 147: @@
 '''TRANSPORT'''
-With the exception of damage to the springs on the 30cwt vehicles, caused by the work on the aerodrome, the condition of the Brigade’s vehicles was seen as mainly satisfactory.  On the move of 10th DLI to the REYKJAVIK area, an interchange of transport was made with 1st/9th Manchesters, thus completing each unit in the Brigade with Canadian vehicles.
+With the exception of damage to the springs on the 30cwt vehicles, caused by the work on the aerodrome, the condition of the Brigade’s vehicles was seen as mainly satisfactory.  On the move of 10th DLI to the [[Reykjavik]] area, an interchange of transport was made with 1st/9th Manchesters, thus completing each unit in the Brigade with Canadian vehicles.
 '''WORKING PARTIES'''

@@ Line 58: / Line 58: @@
 '''16th June 1941'''
-C Company of 10th DLI arrived at REYKJAVIK from REYKERSKOLI.
+C Company of 10th DLI arrived at REYKJAVIK from [[Reykerskoli]].
 The Brigadier and the Brigade Major visited B Company 1st TS at [[Pingvellir]], where it was carrying out a training march.

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 The rain, with which the day started, made an unfortunate start for a Company from 1st TS and a Company from 11th DLI both of whom set out that morning for one week’s marching.  By mid-day, however, the weather had cleared and was fine for the rest of the day.
-A Company 1st TS – in reserve at REYKJAVIK – moved to PINGVELLIR, a distance of 30 miles, and carried out a training programme, with schemes each day.
+A Company 1st TS – in reserve at REYKJAVIK – moved to [[Pingvellir]], a distance of 30 miles, and carried out a training programme, with schemes each day.
 C Company 11th DLI had similar arrangements except that their route from [[Hafnafjordur]] was via KEFLAVIKROAD, GRINDAVIK, and KLEIFARVATN.
@@ Line 60: / Line 60: @@
 C Company of 10th DLI arrived at REYKJAVIK from REYKERSKOLI.
-The Brigadier and the Brigade Major visited B Company 1st TS at PINGVELLIR, where it was carrying out a training march.
+The Brigadier and the Brigade Major visited B Company 1st TS at [[Pingvellir]], where it was carrying out a training march.
 At 18:00 hours the C.O. of 10th DLI handed over command of the North West Sub-Sector to the C.O. of 12th Worcesters.

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 A Company 1st TS – in reserve at REYKJAVIK – moved to PINGVELLIR, a distance of 30 miles, and carried out a training programme, with schemes each day.
-C Company 11th DLI had similar arrangements except that their route from HAFNAFJORDUR was via KEFLAVIKROAD, GRINDAVIK, and KLEIFARVATN.
+C Company 11th DLI had similar arrangements except that their route from [[Hafnafjordur]] was via KEFLAVIKROAD, GRINDAVIK, and KLEIFARVATN.
 '''3rd June 1941'''
@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 This document detailed the elements of the Battalion and the dates on which their moves between locations would take place, and the Camps to which they would move within the South West Sector.
-At 16:30 hours Brigade HQ moved to GARDAR Camp, HAFNAFJORDUR to practice the administrative details of the move.  Details were attached to the War Diary as Appendix B and were comprehensive, down to the names of the individual members of HQ staff taking part in the exercise, and the arrangements to be made should an emergency arise while the exercise was in progress.  The core of the exercise was to open a temporary HQ for the overnight 6th – 7th June and then re-open York Hose as Brigade HQ on the morning of 7th June.  Officers and men were expected to take full
+At 16:30 hours Brigade HQ moved to GARDAR Camp, [[Hafnafjordur]] to practice the administrative details of the move.  Details were attached to the War Diary as Appendix B and were comprehensive, down to the names of the individual members of HQ staff taking part in the exercise, and the arrangements to be made should an emergency arise while the exercise was in progress.  The core of the exercise was to open a temporary HQ for the overnight 6th – 7th June and then re-open York Hose as Brigade HQ on the morning of 7th June.  Officers and men were expected to take full
 G1098 kit with them.  Arrangements for a skeleton Signals Office and equipment were also specified.

@@ Line 36: / Line 36: @@
 Brigadier Kirkup and Captain MacNichol returned from UK leave at 23:30 hours.  Lt Col Marley resumed command of 10th DLI.
-th Battalion of the Worcester Regiment arrived in REYKJAVIK by sea from the U.K. and were selected to take over the North West Sub-Sector from 10th DLI who were in turn to relieve 1st/5th West Yorks in the South West Sector – who would then move to BRAUTARHOLT and [[Akranes]].
+th Battalion of the Worcester Regiment arrived in REYKJAVIK by sea from the U.K. and were selected to take over the North West Sub-Sector from 10th DLI who were in turn to relieve 1st/5th West Yorks in the South West Sector – who would then move to [[Brautarholt]] and [[Akranes]].
 '''11th June 1941'''

@@ Line 40: / Line 40: @@
 '''11th June 1941'''
-The first party of the Worcesters left REYKJAVIK for BORGANES.
+The first party of the Worcesters left REYKJAVIK for [[Borganes]].
 '''12th June 1941'''
@@ Line 48: / Line 48: @@
 '''13th June 1941'''
-D Company of 10th DLI arrived in REYJAVIK from BORGANES.
+D Company of 10th DLI arrived in REYJAVIK from [[Borganes]].
 There was heavy rain for most of the day with a fresh wind.

@@ Line 76: / Line 76: @@
 (a)Giving early warning of any enemy activity in the area.
 (b)Denying the Islands to the enemy – no withdrawal.
-( c)Control of shipping  as set out in Appendix A to the Instruction.
+(c)Control of shipping, as set out in Appendix A to the Instruction.
 In addition to the troops, there was a Coast Watching Post manned by three Royal Navy ratings, who were attached, for all purposes, to the military detachment.
@@ Line 107: / Line 107: @@
 Appendix C set out the list of Secret letters and documents to be handed to the relief detachment.
-rd June 1941
+'''23rd June 1941'''
 :30 hours.  The Brigade Commander held an administrative inspection of 10th DLI in the Camps they had taken over from 1st/5th West Yorks in LAUGARNES and CONCRETE Road areas.
@@ Line 117: / Line 117: @@
 The relief of the 1st/5th West Yorks VESTMANNAEJAR detachment by 10th DLI was completed by sea.
-th June 1941
+'''24th June 1941'''
 Major K.T. Roper – Brigade Major – left for leave in the U.K.  Captain T.G. Wilkinson of 10th DLI assumed the temporary duties of Brigade Major in his absence.
@@ Line 123: / Line 123: @@
 Major B.G. Murray-Shireff of 11th DLI – Second-in-Command – assumed command of 11th DLI during the absence on leave of Lt Col R.F. Ware M.C.
-th June 1941
+'''25th June 1941'''
 The Brigade Commander made a reconnaissance of an area North of SANDSKEID, accompanied by the C.O’s. of 1st TS, 10th DLI, 1st/9th Manchesters, 143rd Field Regiment Royal Artillery and the 294th Field Company Royal Engineers.  These units were to take part in a Brigade exercise to be held on 9th July.  The Carriers of 1st/5th West Yorks were also to be attached for the exercise, mostly to be used to simulate “Infantry” tanks.
-th June 1941
+'''26th June 1941'''
 During the rest of the month further reconnaissances were made of the area North of SANDSKEID and preparations made for the Field Firing Exercise, which was the first of its kind to be attempted in ICELAND, in that co-operation with both tanks and Royal Engineers was to be demonstrated.
-th June 1941
+'''28th June 1941'''
 The Brigade Commander attended an exercise, directed by the C.O. by 10th DLI at VATNSENDI.  The object of the exercise was to practise the Battalion in the attack.  The opportunities for training this Battalion had been limited since their arrival in ICELAND in September 1940, owing to its scattered dispositions and the necessity for preparing the defence of a large Sub-Sector previously unoccupied by any troops.
-The administrative summary for the month was as attached as Appendix E as follows:-
+'''The administrative summary for the month was as attached as Appendix E''' as follows:-
-MOVES
+'''MOVES'''
 th DLI had moved from their Camps in the Western Sector, during the period 18th to 21st June to the locations previously occupied by 1st/5th West Yorks.
-ACCOMMODATION
+'''ACCOMMODATION'''
 Immediately following the occupation of the Camps, visits were made by the Garrison Engineer and the Staff Captain and all the necessary alterations to cookhouses, ablution and latrine accommodation were noted and are being put in hand as soon as possible.  The living quarters were quite adequate and men were sleeping no more than 14 to a hut.
-TRANSPORT
+'''TRANSPORT'''
 With the exception of damage to the springs on the 30cwt vehicles, caused by the work on the aerodrome, the condition of the Brigade’s vehicles was seen as mainly satisfactory.  On the move of 10th DLI to the REYKJAVIK area, an interchange of transport was made with 1st/9th Manchesters, thus completing each unit in the Brigade with Canadian vehicles.
-WORKING PARTIES
+'''WORKING PARTIES'''
 The Brigade provided Working Parties for the VATNSMYRI aerodrome for the fortnight 14th – 28th June at a strength of 10 Officers, 42 NCOs and 390 men, drawn equally from 1st TS, 11th DLI and 1st/9th Manchesters.
-EQUIPMENT
+'''EQUIPMENT'''
 th DLI and 1st TS were able to draw Motley Mountings (anti-aircraft tripods for the Bren Gun) against outstanding indents during the month and, except for this equipment still being required for 11th DLI it can be considered that the Brigade is practically 100% equipped.
-RATIONS
+'''RATIONS'''
 The Summer scale of rations had come into force on 1st June but the scale remained still ample.  The principal item affected was a reduction in the amount of beef from 14oz to 10oz.  Reserve rations were also consumed to bring the 14 days’ reserve now in hand to the Summer ration level.
-BLANKETS
+'''BLANKETS'''
 Blankets were issued to bring the scale per man up to four, plus one in unit stores.  Sleeping bags were simultaneously withdrawn.  Arrangements were made for old blankets to be washed and replaced.
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